Easynet axes 1 in 20 staff

Easynet's new private equity owners plan to make one in 20 staff redundant, they announced this week.

Some 55 jobs are to go as the firm aims to focus on corporate networking customers. Insiders fear more roles are yet to be cut.

They said the first casualties include the UK hosting team, the global marketing director and head of UK small business. A statutory consultation period ends 16 November.

"These transformation plans include a number of important business, and associated organisational changes, to ensure we deliver greater levels of efficiency and improved operational performance," an Easynet spokeswoman said.

Sky sold Easynet to its managers, who were backed by Lloyds Development Capital, for £100m in July. Now established as a home broadband provider, the satellite broadcaster has no interest in competing in corporate networking. ®